Corey Coleman Selected 15th Overall in 2016 NFL Draft

NFL: Corey Coleman

With the 15th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns have selected Corey Coleman, Wide Receiver from Baylor.

Coleman was the first Wide Receiver selected in the draft, likely a result of being a sub-4.4 talent. The former Baylor Bear is an attractive option for the Browns as he should have success getting separation from NFL defensive backs and creating havoc after the catch. Not the biggest receiver by a long shot, the 5-foot 11, 194-pound Coleman has taken snaps from both the slot and outside positions, and will likely do much of the same with the Browns. Due to his small(er) stature, great speed, and fierce toughness, it’s no surprise that Pro Football Focus (PFF) compares Coleman to Steve Smith of the Baltimore Ravens. For the sake of football fans everywhere, let’s hope he lives up to the hype.

If there’s a knock on Coleman, it’s his ability to concentrate during the process of the catch. He’s had some trouble with his hands, amounting to 10 drops on 84 catchable passes in 2015 according to PFF. There are also documented instances where he has not finished the catch to the ground, which will pose issues in a league where it is already difficult enough to distinguish between a completion and incompletion. Additionally, scouts note that he has a history of letting defensive backs fight through his body to break up passes.

Similar to Josh Doctson of TCU, Coleman wasn’t required to run detailed routes during his collegiate career. Coordinators leveraged his speed and physicality through go-routes and screens. After all, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? Well, there will likely be an adjustment period in his transition to the NFL in that regard. Nothing too outrageous.

Coleman is an electric player. Will he provide enough spark to help the Robert Griffin III-led Browns contend for a playoff spot?